RFE/RL Condemns Detention of Journalist Alsu Kurmasheva in Russia

19 October 2023

RFE/RL Condemns Detention of Journalist Alsu Kurmasheva in Russia

On October 18, authorities in Kazan, Russia, detained Alsu Kurmasheva, an editor with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s (RFE/RL) Tatar-Bashkir Service. Kurmasheva has been charged with failure to register as a foreign agent. The charge carries a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.

“Alsu is a highly respected colleague, devoted wife, and dedicated mother to two children,” said RFE/RL acting President Dr. Jeffrey Gedmin. “She needs to be released so she can return to her family immediately.” Kurmasheva is a dual U.S. and Russian citizen who lives in Prague, Czech Republic, with her husband and children.

Kurmasheva traveled to Russia for a family emergency on May 20. She was temporarily detained while waiting for her return flight on June 2. Authorities at Kazan airport confiscated Kurmasheva’s U.S. and Russian passports. She was subsequently fined for failure to register her U.S. passport with Russian authorities. She was awaiting the return of her passports when the new charge was announced on October 18.

Kurmasheva is an accomplished journalist who has long covered ethnic minority communities in Tatarstan and Bashkortostan in the Volga-Ural region of Russia. She has reported on initiatives to protect and preserve the Tatar language and culture from Russian authorities, who have exerted increased pressure on Tatars in recent years.

Since 2012, Russia has used foreign agent laws to punish perceived government critics who receive funding from abroad or are deemed to be “under foreign influence,” including civil society groups, media outlets, independent journalists, and activists.

[Source: RFE/RL press release; photo credit Pangea Graphics RFE/RL]

Freedom of information and media freedom at risk, says DG8 group of international public media organizations

6 October 2023

Freedom of information and media freedom at risk, says DG8 group of international public media organizations

Montréal, CANADA — Trusted news and verified information from independent public service media has never been more important, nor more challenging to produce, warned the DG8, a group of eight international public media organizations, at the conclusion of its annual summit in Montreal, Canada.

As an increasing number of countries around the world censor independent media and violate press freedom, DG8 members called on international organizations to protect freedom of information and media freedom, both of which are essential to democratic societies and the protection of human rights. For example, more must be done to protect people’s right to Internet access and to curb Internet censorship.

Leaders from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the BBC World Service, CBC/Radio-Canada, Deutsche Welle, France Médias Monde, NHK WORLD-JAPAN, SRG SSR, and the United States Agency for Global Media met on October 4 and 5 in Montréal, under the presidency of CBC/Radio-Canada.

“Never has reliable news and information been so important and yet so under attack. In the face of growing disinformation, threats to the safety of journalists, funding pressures, and challenges to their continued existence, public service media must continue to demonstrate to their citizens that trusted, independent information is essential to a healthy society. The DG8 remains committed to addressing our common challenges, to better serve our publics and strengthen democracies around the globe.” Catherine Tait, President and CEO, CBC/Radio-Canada

In response to the challenges faced in the production and distribution of trusted news, the DG8 agreed to work together to address:

Misinformation and disinformation, which continue to proliferate. One response to these challenges is for news organizations worldwide to help audiences distinguish between what is real and what is fake. DG8 members each champion such efforts in different ways — some have adopted standards such as the Journalism Trust Initiative(JTI) certification from Reporters Without Borders (RSF), while others have focused on content provenance through initiatives such as the new Content Credentials standard. Launched in 2019, Content Credentials (originally called “Project Origin”) has evolved into an open-source, universal standard that is cryptographically secure, informing audiences when content has been altered or amended from its original state. This end-to-end solution was developed by an industry-wide group of content publishers, distribution platforms, and equipment manufacturers known as the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA). The group includes the BBC, CBC/Radio-Canada, The New York Times, Microsoft, Adobe, Omnicom, Publicis, Intel, Sony, and Arm.

News content blocking by intermediaries such as social media platforms and public authorities, which results in restricted access to audiences and decreased audience reach by public service media. The DG8 will monitor the policies and practices of digital giants such as Meta, which is blocking access to news content on its Facebook and Instagram platforms in Canada and phasing-out Facebook News in the United Kingdom, France and Germany. The DG8 will also study the impact of blocking access to public media content and consider the implications for other countries.

Increasing threats to journalists’ safety, which is contributing to a worldwide decline in media freedom. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 16 journalists have been killed so far in 2023, and 65 are missing. DG8 members will explore how they can respond more effectively, both individually and collectively.

The use of Artificial Intelligence in newsrooms. The DG8 will discuss establishing common standards and practices regarding AI.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) will assume the presidency of the DG8 in 2024.

The DG8 comprises eight international public service media organizations from Australia (ABC), Canada (CBC/Radio-Canada), France (France Médias Monde), Germany (Deutsche Welle), Japan (NHK WORLD-JAPAN), Switzerland (SRG SSR), the United Kingdom (BBC World Service), and the United States (U.S. Agency for Global Media).

Collectively, DG8 members generate more than 1.5 billion user contacts every week in more than 75 languages, giving them a significant journalistic impact worldwide. Through their delivery of professional, balanced and verified news and information, DG8 members are at the forefront of the fight against fake news, content manipulation and propaganda.

BBC Studios appoints SVP Scripted and SVP Factual for EMEA

5 October 2023

BBC Studios appoints SVP Scripted and SVP Factual for EMEA

Ahead of Mipcom 2023, BBC Studios have announced that Chris Kinsman and Rebecca Ransley have been promoted to the newly created roles of Senior Vice President Factual and Senior Vice President Scripted for BBC Studios’ Content Sales Markets EMEA.

Based in London and reporting to Nick Percy, President of Global Markets, Chris and Rebecca will lead the teams responsible for co-production and finished tape sales across all EMEA markets, setting the sales strategy and directing co-production and content financing opportunities for their respective genres. Chris and Rebecca will work closely with BBC Studios’ content sales leads across Global Markets and North America, as well as with BBC Studios Production leadership.

Nick Percy, President, Global Markets said, “Both Chris and Rebecca bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their new roles which have been created to reflect the evolving needs of our business. With these promotions I am delighted to be able to recognise the quality of their leadership and the strength and expertise of our sales teams.”

Chris Kinsman, SVP Factual, Content Sales Markets EMEA said, “For a number of years Rebecca and I have worked alongside each other, so we’re delighted to be jointly leading the integrated EMEA sales team with these new roles and we’re looking forward to unlocking further opportunities for our world class factual and scripted programming.”

Rebecca Ransley, SVP Scripted, Content Sales Markets EMEA said, “With BBC Studios’ ambitious growth plans and growing pipeline it’s the perfect time to have refreshed our team structure in line with the company’s objectives allowing closer and richer conversations with our partners.”

Chris has spent almost twenty years nurturing key strategic relationships for the EMEA region at BBC Studios. Having worked across sales and co-productions in France and content sales in Italy and Iberia, Chris then went on to lead the Western Europe Content Sales team for Factual. Over the course of his time at BBC Studios, Chris has led commercial partnerships across key EMEA markets for Factual, overseen the negotiations and delivered multiple co-productions for key BBC Studios’ content and fostered long lasting partnerships.

With over a decade of experience within roles at BBC Studios, Rebecca has managed sales teams across multiple EMEA markets working with both local and global partners. Over recent years she has worked closely on BBC Studios’ scripted output and its sales strategy across EMEA, ensuring a natural progression into her new role. Prior to her time at BBC Studios, Rebecca held a variety of commercial and production roles at the BBC including at BBC Panorama.

BBC Studios recently announced that it will be heading to Mipcom with a standout slate packed with distinct, high-quality programming, including Mammals, The Famous Five, Truelove, Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution and The Unique Boutique.

Bespoke events include a fireside chat with CEOs for Global Distribution and Productions, Rebecca Glashow and Ralph Lee, and live play-along game of primetime entertainment format, The 1% Club.

BBC Studios will be located at P0.E1 within the Palais des Festivals Verrière section at the market.

[Source: BBC press release]

Yolanda López stepping down as Acting VOA Director

2 October 2023

Yolanda López stepping down as Acting VOA Director

Earlier this month, Yolanda López, Voice of America’s acting director, announced her departure from the news organization to take a position outside the federal government.

“Over the past eight years at this agency, I’ve experienced both wonderful and challenging moments, forming lasting memories and friendships that I’ll carry with me for a lifetime,” López said in a statement to VOA staff. “Together, we’ve navigated through wars, conflicts, a pandemic, natural catastrophes, elections, special coverages, protests and more. I’m deeply grateful for the support and resilience each of you has shown in such critical moments.”

Prior to her appointment as Acting VOA Director in January 2021, López served as Director of the VOA News Center, where she oversaw all content production and editorial decision-making. As a veteran journalist and producer, she joined VOA in 2015 as the Latin America Division Director. Under her leadership, López generated significant audience growth in the region through media partnerships and affiliations.

“During her more than two-and-a-half year tenure as Acting Director, Yolanda guided VOA through the COVID-19 pandemic, oversaw the evacuation of VOA journalists from Afghanistan, and supported global coverage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine,” said Amanda Bennett, CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media. “Yolanda did it with a profound respect for VOA’s mission and its charter, and with a deep commitment to journalistic independence, press freedom, and the protection of journalists around the world.”

On October 1, Acting Director for VOA Programming John Lippman will succeed López as VOA’s acting director.

“It has been a privilege to work closely with Yolanda López over the past two and a half years and it is an honor to follow her as VOA Acting Director,” said Lippman. “My approach as Acting Director will be similar to Yolanda’s, focusing on VOA’s mission to provide our audiences around the world with truthful, comprehensive news coverage, on protecting our journalists and on getting our staff the resources they need.”

As Acting Director for Programming since January 2021, Lippman managed VOA’s 48 different language newsrooms to provide news and information to a global audience. During his nearly 15-year tenure at the agency, Lippman has served as Acting Director of USAGM’s Office of Performance Review, interim General Manager of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, and as VOA’s Deputy Director for Programming.

[Source: VOA press release]

NHK WORLD Japan Monthly Focus: Live and Let Live

27 September 2023

NHK WORLD Japan Monthly Focus: Live and Let Live

Live and Let Live is NHK WORLD Japan’s Monthly Focus for October

The Kind-Hearted Cat October 8 Sun. Ep.1 October 15 Sun. Ep2 October 22 Sun. Ep3 October 29 Sun. Ep4 0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC) Single mother and nursery school teacher Miyuki meets Sri Lankan Kumara while doing volunteer work in northeastern Japan after the 2011 disaster. One year later, the two reunite as if by fate and are slowly drawn to each other. Along with Miyuki’s daughter Maya, they begin living together as a family. But, right after they submit their marriage forms and become officially married, Kumara is detained in an immigration facility for overstaying his visa and is given a deportation order to return to Sri Lanka. The marriage is suspected to be fake when Kumara is questioned, and the family is treated with disrespect. In order to help Kumara, they have no choice but to start a court case to win special permission for residency. The three of them just want to live together as a family. With that simple wish in their hearts, they take on a court battle with Japan itself.
Let’s Trek Japan October 7 Sat. 0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC) With 70% of its land covered by mountains, Japan is a paradise for mountain climbers! Let’s go enjoy the magnificent views and experience the unique hiking culture. Hiking Across Hakuba’s Great Snow Valley: Enjoy a midsummer snow hike and trek through flower fields in full bloom.Stay overnight in Japan’s largest and oldest mountain lodge. Conquer Hakuba’s three summits by walking across ridgelines with tremendous views.
Medical Frontiers Mondays 14:30/20:30/3:30/9:30 (UTC) Prevention to cure! The groundbreaking world of Japanese medical technology and healthcare. From food and exercise to the latest treatments.
BENTO EXPO Fridays 1:30/6:30/12:30/17:30/22:30 (UTC) Bento connects the world! Discover a universe of bento from Japan and around the world, with step-by-step instructions and delicious tips and tricks!